Tributes have been paid to an RAF aircraftsman who died in a motorbike crash.

Senior Aircraftsman Steven Johnston, 30, was killed when his orange and black Honda motorbike collided with a telegraph pole in Burford Road, Carterton, on Thursday, June 18.

Two other motorcyclists were riding with him at the time, but nobody else was injured in the incident.

Mr Johnston had completed tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, the RAF said last night.

The married father-of-one was a member of the Air Movements Squadron stationed at RAF Brize Norton, but came from Stockton-on-Tees, near Middlesbrough.

Squadron leader Ruth Harris, senior aircraft movements officer at the base, paid tribute to Mr Johnston and said he was “full of fun”.

She said: “He was famous for his keen sense of humour, he was also a very loyal and generous friend who was much loved.

“Steve was an immensely popular member of the Air Movements Squadron at Royal Air Force Brize Norton, he had also served at Royal Air Force Lyneham and Odiham and completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Steve was the very proud father of a daughter whom he loved dearly.

“His death, especially at so young an age, is desperately tragic and he will be greatly missed by his many friends and colleagues at Brize Norton and across the Royal Air Force. Our thoughts are with his family to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.”

Flowers have been left at the scene of the crash, near the junction with Monhann Drive, along with tributes to the aircraftsman.